Rock Star Gary reflects on…WCWA Parade of Champions ’87

While dedicated to the memory of David Von Erich, this show is also dedicated to the memory of Mike Von Erich who passed away twenty-three days prior (4/12/87). Additionally, Kerry Von Erich was severely injured in a motorcycle accident on 6/4/86 and remained out of action for this show.

Yet again, I had to venture away from the WWE Network to locate this show.

Match 1: Bruiser Brody versus Jeep Swenson

Highlights:

For those unaware, Jeep Swenson was a 400-pound bodybuilder with 25-27 inch biceps. Calm down, ladies! Previously, I included him in my dreaded WCW Uncensored ’96reflection; however, he was most famous for portraying the character Bane in Batman & Robin. Unfortunately, more than likely due to his admitted use of anabolic steroids, Swenson passed away in 1997. RIP Jeep Swenson.

As the show began, these two behemoths fought on their way to the ring.

When they got to ringside, Swenson rammed Brody face-first into the timekeeper’s table.

Regrettably, the size of the stadium dwarfed the crowd making it appear mostly empty.

When the bell rang, Brody was already BUSTED OPEN.

A clothesline by Swenson knocked Brody down to the mat.

After Swenson beat on Brody in the corner and rammed him face-first into the scaffold, Brody climbed up said scaffold to give Swenson a boot to the face.

Upon tossing Swenson outside the ring, Brody followed him then nailed him with a chair.

He then rammed Swenson face-first into the timekeeper’s table again, hammered him with a microphone, and walloped him with a chair once again.

As you would expect, Swenson was BUSTED OPEN.

Back in the ring, Swenson raked Brody’s face against the scaffold.

After a brief moment outside the ring, Swenson brought a chair into the ring but missed Brody; thus, he smacked the top turnbuckle.

With Swenson dazed, Brody got ahold of the chair and SMASHED it across Swenson’s chest.

1-2-3.

Rating: *

Summary: The crowd absolutely loved Brody here. Technically, this was crap, but if you’ve never seen Swenson, check this out.

Kevin came to the ring to Ted Nugent’s “Stranglehold” wearing Mike’s ring jacket.

As the match was joined in progress, Nord delivered a back elbow for 2.

Next, he applied a sleeper, but Kevin escaped with elbows to Nord’s midsection.

Nord then delivered a powerslam for 2.

After a pair of mule kicks by Kevin, Nord slammed him.

He then mounted the top turnbuckle but missed the guillotine leg drop.

A subsequent powerslam by Kevin only got 2.

He then mounted the top turnbuckle and hit a missile dropkick for 2.

Following that, he attempted a splash but ate boot instead.

Nord then delivered a backbreaker followed by a leg drop.

In an effort to put Kevin away, he hooked an over-the-shoulder backbreaker.

However, Kevin instinctively applied the Iron Claw while in the hold.

Both men then spilled over the top rope to the floor.

Outside the ring, Kevin rammed Nord face-first into the ring post.

In a finish no one wanted, both men were counted out.

Rating: ***

Summary: Didn’t Kevin just lose another brother less than a month before this match? Was there a reason he couldn’t have pinned Nord here? I realize the NWA title victory by Kerry was only three years prior, but the timing should have signaled Kevin to go over clean here.

After the match, Kevin and Nord brawl on the turf. After Nord boots referee Rick Hazzard down, Kevin rams Nord into the retaining wall. As officials and wrestlers finish pulling them apart, Kevin returns to the ring to retrieve his belt and receive accolades from the crowd.

Matches missing from this video:

Matt Borne & Steve Casey defeated Black Bart & Jack Victory.

Cousin Junior beat the Grappler.

Skip Young pinned Brian Adias in a lumberjack match.

Candy Divine won a 6-woman mud pit match.

Conclusion: Unfortunately, with the sparse crowd, the thrill of this show being in Texas Stadium had definitely passed. If you’re a fan of Bruiser Brody, then this was YOUR show. As it is, the finish to the main event truly signified that things were not going smoothly in WCWA.

Buyrate: NONE

Stay tuned for NWA Great American Bash ‘87!

Comments? Suggestions? Send them to me at [email protected] Also, be sure to check out all of my reflections at rockstargary.com.